Kuhn takes the reins at Midtjylland

Famous for a 14-match unbeaten run as caretaker boss of Aalborg BK, Allan Kuhn is thrilled to be back in management after taking charge at FC Midtjylland.

Opportunity knocks
When Midtjylland sacked coach Thomas Thomasberg last week, despite the team having claimed their first win of the season at the fourth attempt – 4-1 at home to Randers FC – Kuhn stepped into the breach. "Allan Kuhn impressed me a lot when coaching AaB in the Champions League last season. We are sure he is the man to get the best out of the potential in our squad," said Midtjylland sporting director Jens Ørgaard.

Unbeaten streak
The 41-year-old had advertised his credentials when, as temporary successor to Bruce Rioch at AaB last autumn, he was undefeated in 14 games including three in the UEFA Champions League group stage. Kuhn, who had been an assistant coach at the Danish Superliga club since 2004, even oversaw a 2-2 draw at Manchester United FC. However, with AaB eventually deciding to appoint Swede Magnus Pehrsson as manager, the caretaker returned to his No2 role early this year.

'No hard feelings'
Such loyal service got its due reward when Midtjylland came calling: AaB did not hesitate to release Kuhn, giving him his opportunity of a permanent head coaching assignment. "We owed this to Allan, and given we had chief scout Poul Erik Andreasen ready to take over as temporary assistant, we saw no reason to stand in his way," explained AaB sporting director Lynge Jakobsen. Kuhn himself was grateful for the generous reaction to his departure. "There have been no hard feelings at the club or in the city. On the contrary, everyone I have met has congratulated me. I am going to miss AaB, not least the fans," he said.

Unlikely story
Kuhn has signed a three-and-a-half year contract with the Jutland team. However, on Monday he lost his undefeated record as a head coach in the top flight, going down 1-0 at Odense BK on his Midtjylland debut. Even so, he declared himself delighted with the challenge ahead. "It is something of a paradox, me going to FC Midtjylland, as they have always been a bit of a 'hate club' for me," he said. "AaB were hardly ever able to beat them. So, from that point of view, I am even more proud that FCM chose me. I am thrilled to join and committed to the task."